Homeowners are used to having traditional solar panels fitted on their roofs. However, the advent of solar shingles has changed residential property owners’ perspectives on sustainable living. Solar energy utilization for a home living has inspired many people to switch to solar energy, but they’re still confused about what to pick. Should they settle for conventional solar panels or opt for the newly introduced solar shingles?
In this article, the best roofing company in Poughkeepsie, NY, will discuss the critical differences between solar panels and shingles. Stick around to learn more about the best pick between the two!
Size
If you’ve seen or used solar panels before, you know how bulky they can be. They’re typically mounted atop roofs and take up a lot of space, depending on your home’s energy requirements. Because of the size of conventional solar panels, many people are considering sleeker and smaller solar shingles. Manufacturers make solar shingles the same size as traditional roofing shingles, around 12” wide and 86” long.
Materials
Solar panels are made from silicon, a common semiconductor material in computer chips. They’re effective, like the materials inside solar shingles, which comprise monocrystalline silicon. This type of silicon tends to lean on the more expensive side. However, they tend to compensate for this drawback with a better curb appeal potential.
Appearance
Solar shingles are usually the go-to pick of homeowners who want to use solar energy while maintaining their home’s aesthetic appeal. Solar panels are bulky, making them less appealing to the eyes. Solar shingles can also blend easily with other roofing materials, making them unnoticeable.
Power Output
Aside from efficiency, power output is arguably one of the most important factors when considering solar roofing. Solar shingles typically provide 13 to 63 watts, allowing homeowners to save around 40% to 70% on their energy bills. This power output makes solar shingles an ideal investment for many homeowners. You may contact you residential electrician before testing out your solar power.
Durability
Homeowners who opt for solar power look at the long-term benefits of their choices, so they’re more likely to select options built to last. Reliable roofers in Poughkeepsie, NY, will directly install solar shingles on your roof. Since these shingles are one with your roof, they’re more resilient to extreme weather conditions and other forms of wear and tear. On the other hand, solar panels are mounted on the roof using frames, making them more of an accessory and not a natural part of the roof.
Lifespan
To make the most out of solar roofing solutions, experienced roofers in Poughkeepsie, NY, recommend homeowners install either solar panels or solar shingles along with new roofing materials. Doing so ensures the longevity of both your roof and the solar power systems. Both options last for more than 20 years.
Installation process
One of the homeowners’ most significant concerns when switching to solar power is the installation process. Not only does it require a significant initial investment, but they’re also quite challenging to install. Before installing any roof solar power system, there are many things to consider, such as the home’s general power requirement, the number of shingles required to ensure power demands are met, and more. Because of such complications, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to hire only certified roofers in Poughkeepsie, NY, to have either solar panels or shingles installed on their roofs.
Efficiency
Regarding efficiency, there’s no denying that traditional solar panels still reign supreme. Both solar panels and shingles use the same technology, but the latter is generally less energy efficient than the former. This is true for many reasons, including lack of airflow and many other factors. However, homeowners can choose to offset this problem depending on the size of their roofs. Ask any roofer in Poughkeepsie, NY, who knows about solar shingles, and they’ll tell you that the larger your roof is, the less efficiency becomes an issue.
Additional Notes
If you’re planning to install any solar power system on your roof, ensure you hire the best crew at the Roofing Contractor of Poughkeepsie. They know the ins and outs of solar panels and shingle installation, and they go above and beyond to ensure a seamless installation.
Contact the Roofing Contractor of Poughkeepsie today for a free quote for your solar shingle or solar panel installation on your roof!
Roofing Contractor of Poughkeepsie
129 Hooker Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Phone Number: +18454426082